Social assistance rates are established by Government. Social assistance is provided to individuals on the basis of the number of members of their household and some determination of their employability. Two rate schedules are in effect. Schedule A applies to all single persons and family households except those whose shelter costs are less than 30% of their monthly income. Schedule B applies to those whose shelter costs are less than 30% of their monthly income, including tenants of social housing units.
There are two rate programs:
Transitional Assistance
For those who are highly employable, as well as, those requiring support and intervention to become employable. This generally means single person who are able to work and also those with a chronic and/or temporary medical problem. Most families are provided assistance under this program.
Extended Benefits Program
For those who are certified by the Medical Advisory Board as blind, deaf or disabled. It also includes some clients who have been on assistance for many years and who were grandfathered in this program.